A Necessary Dialogue

This article is premised on the understanding that there are multiple dimensions of the case–theory relation and examines four of these: theory of the case, theory for the case, theory from the case, and a dialogical relation between theory and case. This fourth dimension is the article’s key contri...

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Bibliographic Details
Published inInternational journal of qualitative methods Vol. 14; no. 4
Main Authors Rule, Peter, John Vaughn Mitchell
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published Edmonton Sage Publications Ltd 01.11.2015
SAGE Publishing
Subjects
Ambiguity
Bidirectionality
Case studies
Confusion
Educational research
Graduate students
Induction
Multiple roles
Popularity
Social sciences
Theory
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Summary:This article is premised on the understanding that there are multiple dimensions of the case–theory relation and examines four of these: theory of the case, theory for the case, theory from the case, and a dialogical relation between theory and case. This fourth dimension is the article’s key contribution to theorizing case study. Dialogic engagement between theory and case study creates rich potential for mutual formation and generative tension. The article argues that the process of constructing and conducting the case is theory laden, while the outcomes of the study might also have theoretical implications. Case study research that is contextually sensitive and theoretically astute can contribute not only to the application and revision of existing theory but also to the development of new theory. The case thus provides a potentially generative nexus for the engagement of theory, context, and research.
ISSN:1609-4069
1609-4069
DOI:10.1177/1609406915611575